Dr. Ronald D Blazek

Professor emeritus Dr. Ronald D. Blazek, 87, formerly of Florida State University, heeded the Lord’s call at his Tallahassee home of 50 years, peacefully and with his immediate family, December 8, 2023.

“Uncle Ronnie” – beloved husband to Genny Blazek for 63 years; dear father of David (deceased) and Daniel; big brother to Linda; uncle, teacher and friend to numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, colleagues and students -- was the humble son of Czech parents, Paul R. Blazek, a Jewish immigrant tailor and Bessie Zibrid Blazek, a hairdresser of Chicago, Illinois.

Ron was an accomplished librarian and professor of Library and Information Science for over 32 years at Florida State and later at the University of South Florida. He received his Masters and Doctorate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1971, and helped usher in the age of information. He was a beloved instructor, “never giving up on any student.” An accomplished academic author of dozens of articles and reviews, he wrote and published 10 books alone and with colleagues, including widely used textbooks on the Humanities and U.S. History. He received FSU Foundation Grants, served on editorial boards, as well as numerous doctoral and professional committees. He received the Justin Winsor Award for Outstanding piece of historical writing; as well as numerous Choice Magazine awards for Outstanding Academic Book.

Ron was born in Chicago in 1936. Always valuing the art of pedagogy, early in his career Ron graduated from Chicago Teacher’s College. He taught sixth grade at Cooper Elementary, then served as school librarian at Chicago’s Marshall High School and “Montefiore School for Socially Maladjusted” children. Championing the underdog, he also taught Citizenship and Americanization to those seeking to make their life in this country.

Ron and Genny were avid collectors of antiques, particularly clocks, ice cream collectibles and even doorstops. He enjoyed watching da Bulls, da Bears, the Cubs and FSU football. He was also a film lover, especially comedy. Selected 16mm films from his home collection are now housed at the Library of Congress.

Dr. Blazek's warm and caring nature will always be cherished. Ron always took a keen interest, offered a smile and a kind comment. He cared a great deal about doing right for others in supporting fair, safe, and equitable social policy for all.

Special thanks to Big Bend Hospice, LaDonna Carnett, Linda Blazek, and Bob and Craig Lane. In lieu of flowers, please give to the FSU Ron & Genny Blazek Scholarship Fund at 850-645-8312, attention Mafe Brooks.

A celebration of life gathering for Ronald will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312.